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To celebrate National Healthy Eating Day, why not try a new fruit or veggie? My new favorite veggie at the moment is *jicama (pronounced “HIK-ah-mah”), which is also known as a Mexican turnip or yam bean. I first learned about jicama when I found it sold as pre-sliced strips at my favorite grocery store. You can find whole jicama in the produce aisle too—just make sure you peel it completely (see “Safety first” below). While jicama isn’t bursting with flavor on its own, it plays nice with other veggies and can serve as a light and crunchy snack. Plus, one cup of jicama has six grams of fiber and fewer than 50 calories. If you’re looking to step out of the same old, same old when it comes to your healthy eating plan, try these tips for enjoying jicama.
Toss it in a salad of kale, peeled oranges, avocado and your favorite salad dressing.
Serve it as a holiday appetizer. Growing up, bacon-wrapped water chestnuts were always a holiday staple. Try replacing water chestnuts with jicama for a new spin on this old favorite. And, yes, bacon can still be enjoyed in moderation as part of a healthy, balanced meal plan.
“Taco” bout tasty. Add chunks of jicama to your favorite tacos to make Taco Tuesday even better.
Try a zesty trio of jicama sticks, lime juice and chili powder. Make this your crunchy midday snack that can fill you up instead of weighing you down.
Switch up your usual veggie tray at your next holiday gathering by adding jicama sticks.
Do you have a favorite way to enjoy jicama or another favorite fall veggie? Tell me about it in the comments section!
*Safety first: Always peel jicama thoroughly to get to the fleshly edible part. The plant’s leaves are toxic.
By Robin O November 7, 2018
I never knew about jicama when I lived in New England, but I discovered it when I moved to Texas, and I’ve loved it ever since. I like it raw and haven’t tried cooking it. I’ll be serving it on crudité platters for the holidays!
By Maggie November 7, 2018
Sounds good, Robin!
By Monica November 8, 2018
I love Jicama! I like to eat it raw or cooked with hummus. Thank your for all these other ideas Maggie.
By Maggie November 8, 2018
Thanks for reading, Monica 🙂
By Suzanne Makoge November 9, 2018
I just tried Jicama about 3 weeks ago and shared my experience with members of my group. I was surprised by the very mild Apple taste and the texture. Since then I have tried it in salads and it does take on some salad flavors. I use it as a snack when I need something crunchy. Check out the nutrient values as they are wonderful!
By mariana November 29, 2018
I make a sunshine salad with equal parts jicama, cucumber and orange, sprinkle fresh lime or lemon juice,salt and chili powder– ot tajin, its a seasoning that combines these flavors. It is very fresh, very filling, and very colorful,
By Lisa December 5, 2018
It tastes like an apple potato LOL
By Rhonda Conley January 14, 2019
I will look for jicama . It sounds great. I need to find more things with fiber. Not to many calories. I do like the crush. Just started to read this site. Like a lot , thank you
By Maggie Thorison January 14, 2019
Thanks for reading, Rhonda!